Amtrak train breaks down in Springfield, IL

[Lyon_Wonder]

Last Updated 2/20/2008 5:14:28 PM An Amtrak train experiencing a mechanical problem tied up the tracks outside the station at Third and Washington streets for about 45 minutes during noontime today. Train 22, which was en route from San Antonio to Chicago, developed the problem in Springfield, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said. “I don't know what the mechanical problem itself was. The locomotive was disabled and we unloaded the passengers instead of having them wait for the repairs,” he said. The passengers were then boarded chartered buses to their final destination. The train was moved to the rail yard at Ridgely Avenue. The problem will disrupt two northbound routes and one southbound route tonight, including Train 733 scheduled to depart Springfield for Chicago at 7:30 p.m. Those passengers will now have to board a bus. Magliari said those trains will be used for equipment manipulation, such as borrowing an engine or other equipment, to get the disabled train functioning properly. “If something like this happens, it has sort of a cascading effect,” he said. Amtrak notifies passengers if their train is not running by calling the phone number given when the trip was booked. Those with questions should call Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245. “We always apologize when these things occur,” Magliari said. http://www.sj-r.com/extras/breaking/index.asp?ID=4596